Associate in Arts Degree
Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology

Program Updated: The requirements for this program have been updated for 2017 – 2018.
Please review the changes and consult with your adviser or program manager if you have questions.

Brief Description

Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology uses energy in the form of ultrasound to diagnose pathology and assess fetal well-being. The Associate of Arts degree in Diagnostic Ultrasound provides training in ultrasound patient services and related diagnostic techniques. The program offers training in the following specialty tracks: General (Abdomen & OB/GYN); Vascular Technology; and Echocardiography. Students must declare their specialty track of sonography practice at time of application. The program uses a selective-admissions process, with admissions guidelines published annually. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and the American Registry of Radiologic Technology examination. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact that may include performing some invasive procedures. They must be able to interact compassionately and effectively with people who range from healthy to critically ill.

Learning Outcomes

Degree recipients should possess the skills & abilities described below:

Function in the capacity as an entry-level sonographer; acquiring diagnostic ultrasound images of the patient’s anatomy to aid the physician in the diagnosis of various pathological conditions

Act in the best interests of the patient and the institution through the prudent use of safety measures, techniques and equipment to prevent harm to patient, facility or oneself

Act within the Ultrasonography Scope of Practice as outlined by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Exercise independent judgment and discretion in the technical performance of medical imaging procedures

Assimilate pertinent clinical information, ultrasound findings and knowledge of normal and abnormal conditions into a cohesive and complete ultrasound examination for interpreting physicians

Communicate effectively with patients, family members, hospital staff, and the general public, and demonstrate professionalism in all actions and communications

Second Year – Summer Quarter

Certificate of Completion:Breast Ultrasound

Program Updated: The requirements for this program have been updated for 2017 – 2018.
Please review the changes and consult with your adviser or program manager if you have questions.

Brief Description

Breast Ultrasound Certificate of Achievement is designed for Mammographers or Sonographers who want to gain didactic preparation level certification in breast ultrasound. Reviews anatomy and physiology of the breast. Includes orientation to sectional imaging of the breast, correlation with mammographic images, and characterization of normal and abnormal findings from a sonographic viewpoint. Content covers all areas included in the breast specialty exam offered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Professional or technical program offerings and course requirements listed in this website may be altered by the college to reflect the needs of industry, student interests and availability of resources.

This website is designed as a tool to assist in making degree selection decisions, but may not be up-to-date in all instances. Please review worksheets with an advisor to ensure that you receive the most up-to-date information.